Breast Implant Revision
Located in Kirkland, WA to serve the Eastside Seattle area
What is Breast Implant Revision Surgery?
Breast implant revision is undertaken to correct or improve characteristics of breast shape after previous implant placement. These issues may involve malposition, a well-described complication such as leak or rupture, or a desire to change the size of the implants. Patients can have a history of cosmetic breast augmentation or implant-based breast reconstruction.
Reasons to Consider Revision
Capsular Contracture
This is an abnormal tightening of the implant capsule, which is the layer of scar tissue around the implant. Capsular contracture can occur soon after implant placement (although plastic surgeons take many steps to minimize it) or later in the implant’s lifespan. The reasons behind the condition vary, but as capsular contracture progresses, the breast can become firm, distorted in position, or painful. Addressing the capsule surgically is necessary for correction.
Change in Size
Over time, patients may realize that they wish to be larger or smaller in size. Perhaps this is to be more proportional with the rest of their frame or to better fit with their initial goals from augmentation. If the size difference isn’t too extreme, this procedure can be very straightforward. However, exchanging the implants may need to be combined with other procedures to optimize the appearance.
Leak or Rupture
A well-known risk of having breast implants is the potential for leak or rupture. As the devices experience wear and tear, the outer shell can have an area of breakdown. In the case of saline implants, the breast will deflate as the body absorbs the fluid. With silicone implants, a leak or rupture may not be immediately apparent. The defect can be detected on imaging or if scar tissue develops around the implant. While not an emergency, this implant should be surgically removed and replaced once it is identified.
Asymmetry
Patients may seek improvement in the symmetry of their implant location, breast shape, nipple position, or nipple-areolar complex size. Occasionally the healing process can leave the two breasts with a different appearance. While no woman is perfectly symmetric, revision surgery can help the breasts match more closely.
Textured Implants
A very rare form of lymphoma (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL) has been associated with implants that have a textured shell. Although the risk is extremely low, most plastic surgeons now use exclusively smooth-shelled implants for this reason. If you have textured implants and do not have this rare diagnosis, there is no current recommendation to have them removed. Regardless, some women prefer to have these implants exchanged. It is possible that the implants are covered under warranty by the manufacturer to offset the cost of the procedure.
The Natural Aging Process
Even if you have implants and a perfect result, the breast tissue will continue to age over the years. The effects of gravity can cause ptosis or deflation. Occasionally this can create an unnatural appearance where the breast tissue has fallen, but the implant remains in position on the chest wall. Surgical revision may be indicated to reshape the breast or alter the implant capsule.
Consultation Process
Dr. Austin Remington and Dr. Brad Remington enjoy a challenge – breast implant revision surgery certainly can fall into this category. Correcting asymmetry, planning for adjustments through small incisions, and ultimately restoring a natural breast shape are common goals. At your consultation, hearing about your surgical history is important to develop the treatment plan and the most favorable course of action. You can expect to have the surgical approach illustrated and explained. The risks, recovery, and costs will be discussed.
Recovery and Results
The initial recovery is between one and two weeks. During this period you will have a surgical compression bra to decrease swelling. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity will be limited for up to one month. Women commonly report that the recovery is less painful than their first breast augmentation or reconstruction procedure.